What is The History of New York's First Paved Road?

Broadway: The Enduring Legacy of New York's First Paved Road

The history of Broadway stretches back long before European settlement. Its path initially followed an ancient trail used by the Lenape Native Americans, running the length of Manhattan Island. When the Dutch arrived in the early 17th century and established New Amsterdam, they adopted and widened this trail, naming it "Heerestraat" or "Gentlemen's Street." This unpaved dirt path served as the primary north-south route of the burgeoning settlement.

The English Era and the Need for Paving

After the English took control of New Amsterdam in 1664 and renamed it New York, Heerestraat became "Broadway" – a direct translation of the Dutch "Breede Wegh" (broad road). For decades, it remained a muddy, dusty, or frozen thoroughfare, depending on the season. As the city grew, the unpaved streets became increasingly problematic. They were challenging to navigate, dusty in dry weather, and notorious for turning into quagmires after rain. The need for more durable and sanitary surfaces became apparent.

The First Paving: A Revolutionary Step (1687-1693)

While the exact year of the very first paving is subject to some historical debate due to fragmented records, significant efforts to pave Broadway began in the late 17th century. Historical accounts and city records indicate that sections of Broadway were being paved with cobblestones as early as 1687, with more extensive work continuing into the 1690s.

One of the earliest documented major paving projects on Broadway occurred around 1693. This involved using small, irregular stones – known as cobblestones – to create a more stable and all-weather surface. This was a costly and labor-intensive undertaking, reflecting the growing importance of Broadway as the city's main artery. The paving efforts were driven by civic leaders seeking to improve sanitation, facilitate commerce, and enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the expanding port city.

In fact, a famous painting by William Henry Powell, titled "Broadway - First Paved Road, New York City, Circa 1693," visually captures this historic moment, depicting laborers diligently laying cobblestones.

Evolution and Enduring Significance

Over the centuries, Broadway continued to evolve. The cobblestones of the late 17th century eventually gave way to smoother surfaces, such as macadam, and later, asphalt. The southern tip, once the main street of a colonial town, has transformed into a bustling financial district, while further north, it has become synonymous with the dazzling lights of the Theater District.

Despite these changes, Broadway's foundational role as New York's first major paved artery set a precedent for urban development. It demonstrated the city's commitment to infrastructure and its relentless drive towards modernization and growth. Today, as millions traverse its length, few might realize they are walking or driving on a path that was once a muddy Lenape trail, then a Dutch dirt road, and finally, New York's pioneering paved street, setting the stage for the metropolis we know today.

Sources:

• Stokes, I. N. Phelps. The Iconography of Manhattan Island, 1498-1909. Robert H. Dodd, 1915-1928. (Volumes 1-6 contain extensive primary source material on early New York City streets and infrastructure).
• Homberger, Eric. The Historical Atlas of New York City: A Visual Celebration of Nearly 400 Years of New York City's History. Henry Holt and Company, 2005.
• Burrows, Edwin G. and Mike Wallace. Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898. Oxford University Press, 1999.
• Museum of the City of New York: Archival collections and historical information on early New York.